GINOWAN, OKINAWA, Japan, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A U.S. Marine Corps helicopter crashed at a Japanese university campus Friday, injuring three American soldiers stationed in Okinawa.
At around 2:15 p.m. a CH53D large transport helicopter plunged into the wall of the Okinawa International University in Ginowan City before crashing to the ground, the Mainichi Shimbun reported Friday. The accident site was close to Futenma Airport, which is used by the Marine Corps.
The helicopter burst into flames following the crash, throwing debris from the chopper across the campus. A 10-meter rotor that fell off the helicopter dropped in front of a house just across the street, police said. No civilians were injured in the accident.
One of the three crew members of the helicopter was seriously injured while the two others suffered only slight wounds. They were admitted to the U.S. Navy Hospital in Okinawa prefecture.
